adminThe Herald, 22 March 1991
THE Member of Parliament for Mbare East, Cde Tony Gara, has urged the Government to give women the chance to take part in development projects.
Debating a motion on the advancement of women, Cde Gara said it was not necessary to have a deliberate policy to promote women as suggested by the motion. This had to be done on merit.
“This means that both men and women who can deliver the goods should be called upon to do so,” said Cde Gara.
The motion, which was moved by Cde Edna Madzongwe (Kadoma) also calls on parastatals and commercial sectors to embark on a deliberate policy to appoint women to senior policy and decision making positions as recognition for their ability.
The MP for Murehwa North, Cde Alois Mangwende, said women were the backbone of the country, especially the agricultural sector in the rural areas. A deliberate policy to promote them was not only necessary, but was long overdue.
“A deliberate policy is necessary to ensure that our women folk are given support by ourselves to make sure that they make it to the top.”
Cde Gara’s contribution raised objections from women parliamentarians, particularly when he suggested that there was no need for women to seek a deliberate policy of promotion since there was equality in Zimbabwe
LESSONS FOR TODAY
The place of women in any endeavour cannot be over-emphasised, and given their enormous contributions to socio-economic development, there can be no meaningful advancement when women are excluded.
Women are not only more affected by the imbalances brought about by gender inequality, but they also possess qualities and ideas to solve them, hence giving them a chance will bring about a marked difference.
As the world celebrates Women during this month of March, it is prudent to note that women are rendering valuable contributions in every sphere of life, and their role should be augmented by providing opportunities and offering them favourable conditions in order for them to fully express themselves.
Women empowerment and sustainable economic development are closely related: in one direction, development alone can play a major role in driving down inequality between men and women; in the other direction, empowering women can benefit development.
The million-dollar question is on whether our media should continue to have headlines that read: “Give women a chance”, considering that the gender dynamics are tilting, as more women now hold key decision-making positions in newsrooms and boardrooms?
Online Reporter